 Philips Park opened on 22 August 1846 as one of the world’s first municipal parks, intended for free use by the public to encourage a mixing of the classes.It was established by funds raised by public subscription and purchased from the 31-acre estate of Lady Hoghton, a local landowner, for £6,200 (approximately £400,000 in today’s money).The formation and opening of the park was largely due to the commitment of Mark Philips, a local MP, who lobbied considerably for the creation of parks for the working people of the city.